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Top 15 Tips for Getting the Job after the Internship

Establishing yourself as a worthy employee while still in the try-before-you-buy stage can be confusing. Model yourself after the sealed high-quality cosmetic sample rather than the ruddy, mucky, make-up tester. No, that probably is not the best analogy but who wants to hear another test-drive car comparison? For a more comprehensive list on the top 15 tips to secure yourself a permanent job after completing an internship, read on…

Continuously perform to the best of your abilities – this seems obvious but taking the time to ask yourself, ‘have I really tried my best?’ regularly keeps you in check and will undoubtedly prove to your peers how you would be committed to a permanent position. Give 100% at all times, but, contrary to popular statements in reality singing competitions, do not go 150% and over. Look after your mind and body or you will burn out. This is an internship, not The Hunger Games.

Make yourself comfortable, but don’t make yourself at home – just because your position in the company isn’t top priority doesn’t mean you’re not being watched! Remember that this is your probation period (preceding another probation period if you’re fortunate enough to be offered a job) so make an effort to seem alert, vigilant and bright-eyed at all times (coffee helps).

Stay to finish your work, but learn to do it faster – being the first one in the office and the last one out is not necessarily beneficial to your reputation – you must learn to be efficient and to complete your work during allocated work hours, and to give yourself time for inevitable re-edits, unexpected tasks and delays.

Ask if you don’t know – yes, taking initiative is incredibly important, but it’s better to slightly irritate somebody by asking questions and being sure of what you need to know than to be liable for a big error that implicates the company and yourself. Don’t be embarrassed to say, ‘I don’t understand’. Try saying it in French, instead; your superiors will be too enchanted by you to feel annoyed (N.B that should not be taken as solid advice).

Bare minimum means minimum chance of securing a job – go above and beyond, pitch ideas, and don’t take it personally if they are shot down. Your colleagues will notice the effort you put in and the fine details of your work can only be commended on…that is if it doesn’t take up the time you should be using to complete your assignments.

Learn and apply – there is no better way to prove your aptitude then by learning from your colleagues and supervisors, analysing research and applying your new-found knowledge to the work you do.

Develop a solid discourse with your supervisor, colleagues and boss – request and take on feedback and inject it into what you produce. They will be more inclined to help and mentor you throughout your internship, and to vote you ‘in’ at the end of your term.

Meet. Your. Deadlines. and notify someone in advance if you cannot. (Incase it wasn’t implied, this ‘someone’ should be the person you will deliver the work to, not a friend, childhood pen pal in Ecuador or a pet).

Never be bored – if you have a lack of things to do, ask for something else to do. You can twiddle your thumbs on your lunch break. If you’re bored of your given tasks, suck it up, there is no such thing as a job without repetitive work. Actually, don’t suck it up – enjoy it! Enjoy every part of your work experience. You have the chance to fully observe and partake in the functions of an industry. In the wise words of Mary Poppins, “in every job that must be done there is an element of fun”. If you absolutely cannot stand the work you have been given, then maybe this is not the position for you, leading to the next point…

The best way to get the job is to actually want it – nothing will motivate you more than being passionate about something. A disinterest in the job you are going for will only lead you to produce sub-standard work and make yourself miserable.

Dress and act appropriately – regardless of how casual or friendly everyone can be, you are still in a professional work environment. Don’t trash talk other workers, or anybody for that matter. Write it down in your ‘burn book’ and keep it under your bed. Try your very hardest not to vomit at post-work drinks on Fridays, and stay fresh, sharp and hygienic. A good point of reference for your apparel is a previous blogpost we made on ‘What to Wear on Your First Day’.

Set your own goals to show that you are committed to doing more than impressing the staff, you’re looking to impress and advance yourself too.

Stand up for yourself and be confident. The workplace is no place for the soppy or the weak-spirited. If you’re feeling a little unstable, write down what is bothering you, watch a panda video, return to what you wrote and if it still seems like a strong issue, approach somebody to discuss it in a cool-mannered fashion.

Keep the office tidy – this doesn’t need explaining, although it is good to note that everything should be done in moderation. Scrubbing the office floors with your own toothbrush is unnecessary and also very weird.

Remember – even if your internship ends and there isn’t a vacancy for you, your record will still be on their books when a position opens up. Stay in touch with your colleagues, thank your seniors for giving you the opportunity and guidance, and keep up-to-date with the company’s endeavors. You never know what can come of your efforts!